A friend of mine (who is a professional photographer) is moving and gave me all her darkroom equipment. It's been 20+ years since I have shot and printed film, so I am pretty excited about it.

I don't remember a thing about how to do it, but I do remember it was pretty easy and great fun.

I have a fairly large storeroom off my garage that I plan on setting it up in (no windows).

I have trays, enlarger, negative holder, etc. I am not sure if I have a timer or contrast filters.

Is there anything that is a "must have" in a darkroom?

This post was edited on 4/30/15 at 4:42 am

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Posted by CCT

Member since Dec 2006

6212 posts

Posted on 4/30/15 at 3:17 am to theantiquetiger

Ventilation! An absolute must.

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Posted by Jim Rockford

Member since May 2011

98128 posts

Posted on 4/30/15 at 3:50 am to theantiquetiger

Pics of friend or GTFO

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Posted by soccerfüt

Location: A Series of Tubes

Member since May 2013

65517 posts

Posted on 4/30/15 at 6:45 am to theantiquetiger

quote:
Is there anything that is a "must have" in a darkroom?

Gimp Costume(s)?
Restraint Apparatus?
Cleaning Supplies?
And, most importantly-
A safe word.
:rimshot:

Seriously, I didn't know film photography still existed. I'd have a hard time spending the time and effort setting up a dark room with digital photography the way it is. I cannot take good photos to safe my life, so this issue is a non sequitor for me.

This post was edited on 4/30/15 at 7:10 am

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Posted by tigerpawl

Can't get there from here.

Member since Dec 2003

22233 posts

Posted on 4/30/15 at 7:04 am to soccerfüt

quote:
Seriously, I didn't know film photography still existed.

Back in the day, I took the time and effort to take a photography course (USL) that included B&W film processing and enlarging (printing on photo paper). I have to say that it was probably the most enlightening things I ever did as it pertains to the creative world. Selecting your paper type, film type and chemicals was a kick in the pants, and built a lot of anticipation and excitement about the final product.

Going out and shooting stuff, then developing the film and printing your own photos in the same day was a big rush for me. These were some of the absolute best pics I ever took. I still maintain that you simply cannot duplicate the same tones and resolution with digital that you can with film.

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Posted by Boudreaux35

Member since Sep 2007

21406 posts

Posted on 4/30/15 at 7:10 am to tigerpawl

quote:
I still maintain that you simply cannot duplicate the same tones and resolution with digital that you can with film.

I agree 100%! Shooting on film makes you think about what you're doing also. You've got a limited number of shots. Even with multiple rolls of film, each shot costs you. With a high capacity memory card, you can just fire off shot after shot and then find the best ones to fine tune when you get back to your computer. With film, you better be damn close to perfect when you release the shutter.

I love film photography. Just curious, where do you plan on getting your supplies? Chemicals, paper, and even film.

quote:
Is there anything that is a "must have" in a darkroom?

Running (heated) water!

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Posted by theantiquetiger

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Member since Feb 2005

19187 posts

Posted on 4/30/15 at 3:19 pm to Boudreaux35

quote:
Running (heated) water!

That will be the only thing I will not have in my darkroom. I am not sure about the chemicals yet. The stuff given to me has a ton of paper already (about $500 worth).

I guess B&H will be my best place for most supplies. I am not sure if they can ship chemicals.

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Posted by asurob1

On the edge of the galaxy

Member since May 2009

26971 posts

Posted on 4/30/15 at 3:35 pm to theantiquetiger

honestly, dust filters in your ducts ...

when you are doing wet prints...the worst thing in the world and the biggest waste of photo paper is flits of lint or dust on the negative....

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